Need advice Streamer/DAC

[Brendan.Harris]

Hey all first post here

I am looking to add a streaming device and DAC to my main system (Audio Note Soro SE -> Audio Note AN-E) for use with Roon.

Looking to keep the total cost under $1000 for the pair if possible. Please shoot me some suggestions to look into.

Thanks for any advice / help

Brendan

 

[Count Arthur]

Do you want a one box, all set up and ready to go system, or would you be happy to take a more DIY/Raspberry Pi type route?

 

[Brendan.Harris]

Would prefer to avoid DIY if possible

 

[Brendan.Harris]

separate streamer + DAC is fine

 

[DHT 845]

Smsl sd-9
Smsl m400

 

[Brendan.Harris]

SMSL m400 looks interesting but blows the budget unfortunately. Still... worth keeping an eye on.

cheers

 

[diddley]

CXN V2 is Roon ready

 

[Brendan.Harris]

CXN V2 reviews well too but like the SMSL m400 blows the budget.

I get the feeling the budget may have to be stretched...

Cheers for the suggestion

 

[somebodyelse]

If you're ok with used hardware, Roon can use the old Squeezebox devices as players. Most (all?) of them have digital outputs so you can add a better DAC if you like.

 

[Brendan.Harris]

Squeezebox I had forgotten all about those... Didn't they stop making them a decade ago?

Would probably prefer to steer away from older equip if possible.

Thank you for the suggestion though

 

[Brendan.Harris]

Would be curious to know more about the ifi zen stream if anyone has any experience?

Some say it is excellent others say it is broken? Not sure what to think about this unit?

 

[rfernand]

You may end up pleasantly surprised with the Pro Ject Pre Box S2 and the Stream Box S2. Fairly compact (wall warts, thou). No issues at all with Roon. DSD/MQA if you need them. Quiet headphone out should you be so inclined.

 

[JustJones]

Used Node2i and Topping Dac would be under $1000. The Matrix mini i 3 not the pro.

 

[Brendan.Harris]

More good options to look into thank you guys.

Like a snob I have tended to dismiss project in the past but it may be time to re-evaluate what they produce.

The Matrix mini was on my radar but I have been unable to find many people with first hand experience living with one and auditioning one in Tasmania is a non-starter.

Thanks again for the suggestions

 

[somebodyelse]

Squeezebox I had forgotten all about those... Didn't they stop making them a decade ago?

Time flies - it was almost a decade ago! Since then it's been used or diy hardware, although Polyvection have started selling inexpensive if slightly limited compatible devices. The Digi32 is the one with digital outputs but hasn't made it to market yet, and there are probably better options.

 

[Brendan.Harris]

A decade ago!!!! Now I'm feeling old...